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Bhutan

• Pastor Imprisoned for Evangelism Released!

  

  The case against a pastor who was sentenced to prison for his evangelistic work has been dropped. Tandin Wangyal was originally detained along with another pastor, Mon Thapa, in March of 2014. The pastors were charged with the following: 1) conducting a gathering for a religious purpose without prior approval, 2) showing a film without certificate of approval from media authorities, and 3) collecting "illegal funds." (For more information on these charges, you can read our previous prayer alert.)

• Pastors Under Fire for Evangelizing

  

  Two pastors are under fire for their evangelism work in the Buddhist nation of Bhutan. On September 10th, Pastor Tandin Wangyal was sentenced to nearly four years in prison on charges of receiving money for spreading Christianity. The pastor has since been released on bail but may still be forced to serve the prison term. VOM contacts are concerned for the welfare of Pastor Tandin's wife, Nengboi, and their three young sons, especially if the pastor is required to serve his sentence. The pastor's co-worker, M.B. Thapa, was sentenced to two years and four months, or a fine equivalent to approximately $1,800 CAD. He was released after paying the fine.

• Government may legalise Christianity

  

  In the South Asian country of Bhutan, government officials recognise only Buddhism and Hinduism as the country's two religions. As a result, only these two communities have the right to openly practise their beliefs and build places of worship. That may soon change as Chhoedey Lhentshog, the authority that regulates religious organizations, discussed at its December meeting how a Christian organization can be registered to represent its community, according to agency secretary Dorji Tshering.

  For the first time in Bhutan's history, the Buddhist nation's government seems ready to grant much-awaited official recognition and accompanying rights to a miniscule Christian population that has remained largely underground.

  Asked if Christians were likely to enjoy the same rights soon, Tshering replied, "Absolutely." This is a shift in policy given that Bhutan's National Assembly banned open practice of non-Buddhist and non-Hindu religions in resolutions passed in 1969 and 1979, respectively. According to a Christianity Today source who requested anonymity, the government is likely to register only one Christian organization, and would expect it to represent all Christians in Bhutan--which would call for Christian unity in the country.

  Sources indicate that the government's willingness to recognize Christians is partly aimed at bringing the community under religious regulation. In October, a Bhutanese Christian was sentenced to three years in prison for "attempting to promote civil unrest" by screening films on Christianity (read the story).

  Thank the Lord that movement forward is being made. Pray for our fellow Bhutanese brothers and sisters and their efforts to share Jesus Christ with those around them. Pray that God will move among the authorities and open hearts to hearing His name and the words of His people.

  For more information about the treatment of Bhutanese Christians, visitBhutan Country Report.

• Christian sentenced to three years in prison

  

  A Christian was sentenced on October 6 to three years in prison for "attempting to promote civil unrest" by screening films on Christianity in the predominately Buddhist nation of Bhutan. Four months ago, Prem Singh Gurung (40) was arrested after local residents complained that he was showing Christian films in the villages of Gonggaon and Simkharkha in Jigmecholing block. Prem was charged with violation of the Bhutan Information, Communication and Media Act of 2006. Sections 105(1) and 110 of this law require that authorities examine all films before public screening. While Prem has the right to appeal, at last report it was not yet known if he intended to take that course or even had the resources to do so.

  Pray that God will bring to mind verses of Scripture to comfort Prem in his time of hardship (Psalm 119:49-56). Pray that he will continue to be a bold witness for Christ. Pray for enduring faith for other Bhutanese believers suffering for righteousness' sake.

  To learn more about the trials facing Bhutanese Christians, go to theBhutan Country Report.

• Two Christians Released

  Two Christians who were arrested in January for proselytizing and sentenced without trial to three and three and a half years in prison were suddenly released on July 28. No reason was given for their release, though international pressure likely contributed. Praise the Lord for their release!

  Learn more about the country of Bhutan. Visit theBhutan Country Report.

• Prisoners' Location Unknown

  John Tamang and Benjamin Sharma were imprisoned for showing the Jesus Film

  Last month, the Persecution and Prayer Alert featured two Christians in Bhutan who were sentenced to prison without trial because of their testimony for Christ (for more information,
  click here). According to a recent report from Jubilee Campaign, the two men, John Tamang (35) and Benjamin Sharma (32), also referred to as John Dai and Benjamin Dhunigana, have been transferred from jail to jail. Their present location is unknown and family members have been unable to contact them. Both of the men were former government employees who were terminated from their positions because of the allegations against them. Benjamin is married with three children. John is married with one child. Pray for protection and strength for John and Benjamin and their families.

  To learn more on the country of Bhutan,click here.

• Two Christians Sentenced to Prison Without a Trial

  Two Christians in the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan have been sentenced to long jail terms because of their Christian witness. Benjamin Dhunigana and John Dai were arrested on January 8, 2006 and have remained in prison since then. This week, a sentence was suddenly announced without a trial. Dhunigana was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison and Dai was sentenced to three years. They were given ten days to appeal to the court for bail. They intend to fight the case with the help of a prominent lawyer.

  A VOMC contact says that Dhunigana has been active in sharing the gospel across Bhutan and, in particular, in reaching Buddhist monks for Christ. On January 7, he and Dai were traveling together in a van when they stopped and offered a ride to a woman walking along the road. Dhunigana and Dai drove the woman to her home and she insisted that they eat dinner with her family. They stayed to eat and then told the woman that they would like to show her a movie, the JESUS film. She asked if she could invite her neighbors also and the house was soon full of people watching the film about the life of Christ. Dhunigana and Dai were arrested the following day. VOMC sources say it was the neighbors who reported the two Christian workers to authorities. Both men are married and have children. Local Christians have promised to provide for the men's families as long as they are incarcerated.

  Pray that the men will be a bold witness for Christ, even while they are in prison. Pray for justice for these two Bhutanese Christians. Polite emails of protest can be sent to the Bhutanese delegation to the United Nations at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  For more information on persecution in Bhutan,click here.
• Churches Raided at Easter

  
  ^{House church in Bhutan}

  Following Easter Sunday services, three Protestant house churches in the Gelephu subdivision of Sarpang district in southern Bhutan were raided by police. Most worshippers had already left, but those who remained were questioned about who had attended. According to an April 23 report from Compass Direct, no arrests were made, but the Christians were told that their services were "terrorist activities." Three pastors and one elder were ordered to report daily to the police station.

  Officially, Christianity does not exist in Bhutan and it is illegal to meet for public worship, though worship in homes has been allowed.

  Pray that Christians in Bhutan will be strengthened in their faith and grow closer to Christ in the midst of opposition. Pray for the growth of Christ's Church in this predominantly Buddhist country.

  For more information on persecution in Bhutan,click here.